Nearly 1,000 votes decide People’s Choice Award in Auburn Hospital’s Annual AQuAs

The annual Auburn Quality Awards (AQuAs) have been celebrated for 2023, showcasing the Auburn Hospital community’s innovation, enthusiasm and passion for projects to better the patient experience.

These prestigious awards are judged by a panel of the Auburn Hospital Executive team, and honour the hard work and diligence of staff in pioneering new methods for work and care.

“The AQuAs has been running since 2016, with over 80 projects submitted since its inception,” General Manager Amanda Green said.

“The AQuAS are an important annual event at Auburn Hospital, recognising the achievements of staff in improving safety and quality of care we provide, and are a great way to showcase our commitment to patient care.

“Staff at Auburn are dedicated to improving patient care and this year the breadth of involvement was impressive with staff from General Services, Medical Officers, Nurses, Allied Health, Administration and Safety and Quality being involved in the projects submitted.”

AQuA winners:

• Risky Business in Falls
• Triage and Treat
• Post Operative Hand Therapy Information

The ceremony also saw the inaugural CARE Award (Consumer AQUA Recognising Excellence), with Consumer Partnership Committee members Naglaa, Jane, Russell and Lina on the selection panel. The winning project was picked for its patient focus and outcomes.

The inaugural CARE Award was awarded to the My Surgical Journey project.

The People’s Choice Award had nearly 1,000 votes and was chosen by staff and visitors through a nomination process. The winner was Triage and Treat.

The Triage and Treat project has also been recognised on the honour board in the level two foyer for sustained achievement in Quality Improvement.

Collaborative Teams Award

Winner: Risky Business of Falls team

The Collaborative Teams category recognises a team of individuals who have worked together using collaborative and innovative ways to support the team’s outcomes. The Risky Business of Falls team demonstrated a commitment to create a supportive workplace to improve patient outcomes.

Young Leader of the Year Award

Winner: Nicole Odewahn

The Young Leader of the Year Award recognises an individual who exhibits in their work a deep commitment to Auburn Hospital’s values and shows leadership potential. Nicole was chosen for her excellent and consistent support to staff and patients, as well as how she inspires other staff through her leadership qualities.

Exceptional Contribution Award

Winner: Cassandra Chan

This award recognises a staff member who has made an effective contribution through collaboration. Cassandra was awarded for her ability to improve efficiencies and outcomes, and implement change through a range of innovations at Auburn Hospital.

Volunteer of the Year Award

Winner: Naglaa Sourour

The Volunteer of the Year Award recognises the significant contribution of an individual. Naglaa has been awarded for her ongoing support and advocacy for patients, carers and the community; and her innovative ideas which improve the care provided.

Bright SPARQ Award

Winners: Jo Masri and Asha Baby

The Bright SPARQ Award recognises individuals who promote innovation, safety and quality to support positive outcomes for patients and staff.

Jo was selected for role modelling safety culture in the hospital, providing ongoing support to staff in improving safety and quality outcomes and her commitment to innovation in responding to issues identified.

Asha was selected for her unwavering commitment to safety and quality, her proactivity in seeking solutions to problems and her engagement with staff in innovation.

Asha Baby was also recognised as the individual Honour Board recipient for her ongoing efforts and achievements in quality improvement. Asha has led many projects over a number of years to improve outcomes and experience for patients. She has also demonstrated her ability to improve outcomes and implement change, and has supported staff across the hospital in improving the care provided.